FCC

WISPA Says 6 GHz Proposal ‘Excellent Starting Point’

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The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association has termed “an excellent starting point” steps proposed recently by 10 tech companies that they said would ensure that unlicensed devices in the 6 gigahertz band don’t cause harmful interference to incumbents (TR Daily, June 12).

The firms and 6 GHz band incumbents have been bickering for months about an analysis the tech firms submitted in January that concluded that unlicensed devices could share the 6 GHz band without causing harmful interference to primary incumbent operations (TR Daily, Jan. 26).

The analysis submitted in January was done by RKF Engineering Services LLC and submitted to the Commission by Apple, Inc., Broadcom Corp., Cisco Systems, Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Facebook, Inc., Google LLC, Intel Corp., MediaTek, Inc., Microsoft Corp., and Qualcomm, Inc. The recent proposal, as with other recent filings, was submitted by those companies, with the addition of Ruckus Networks and the omission of MediaTek. Continue reading →

O’Rielly Criticizes Guam on 911 Fee Diversions

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FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly today criticized Guam for diverting 911 funds for other purposes. In a letter to Guam Gov. Eddie Calvo (R.), Mr. O’Rielly complained that he has not responded to a letter that Mr. O’Rielly sent in February asking why Guam did not respond to the FCC’s most recent effort to gather data about 911 deployment, including diversions of 911 fees and surcharges (TR Daily, Feb. 20). In today’s letter, he also cited the apparent transfer of nearly $4 million from Guam’s 911 fund between 2014 and 2017.

“The citizens of Guam rely on the 9-1-1 system to work in their most dire times of need,” the Commissioner said. “It is beyond disappointing to learn that your territory has made a habit of diverting these funds for other purposes. Therefore, I respectfully request that you cease such diversionary practices at once, and work with the Commission to deliver on the promises of NextGen 911 for the residents of Guam.”

Courtesy TRDaily

FCC to Consider C-Band, EAS, Cellular, Number Portability Items

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FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said today that he plans to ask his colleagues to consider six items at their July 12 meeting that deal with the 3.7–4.2 gigahertz C-band, the Emergency Alert System (EAS), the 800 megahertz band, nationwide number portability, formal complaint proceedings, and children’s programming rules.

The FCC plans to release a tentative agenda for the meeting and the draft text of the items tomorrow.

In a blog posting today, Mr. Pai said that “[i]n response to a Notice of Inquiry we initiated last summer [TR Daily, Aug. 3, 2017], stakeholders have come up with a number of creative ideas for making better use of 3.7 to 4.2 GHz.  And next month, we’ll vote on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks more detailed feedback on those ideas that merit further exploration.  That Notice of Inquiry also sought comment on new uses in the 6 GHz band.  I’m pleased to say that we plan to move forward with a rulemaking on that spectrum this fall.” Continue reading →

FCC Seeks Comments on 911 Network Reliability Rules

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The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau released a public notice today seeking comments on the agency’s network reliability rules, including outage notifications to public safety answering points (PSAPs). Among the questions the bureau asked is whether the agency should weaken the current regulations.

“Under current Commission rules, ‘covered 911 service providers’ are required to: 1) take ‘reasonable measures’ to ensure 911 circuit diversity, availability of central office backup power, and diverse network monitoring; 2) certify annually to their performance of these measures, or to alternative measures demonstrated to be reasonably sufficient to mitigate the risk of failure; and 3) notify PSAPs of outages that potentially affect them,” the bureau noted in the public notice in PS docket 13-75. “When the Commission adopted these rules [TR Daily, Dec. 12, 2013], it committed to review them in five years to determine whether they remain technologically appropriate, and both adequate and necessary to ensure the reliability and resiliency of 911 networks. The Bureau invites interested parties to provide comments and other information regarding how effective these provisions have been in practice, and whether these provisions should be modified to adapt to advancements in technology or other changes. The Bureau will use the record from this Public Notice to recommend next steps, if any, for the Commission’s consideration.” Continue reading →

Andy Seybold’s Public Safety Advocate, June 14, 2018

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FirstNet and Interoperability.  During speeches at the recent PSCR meeting in San Diego, two people made points that started me thinking about what lies ahead for FirstNet. The first was the Chair of The FirstNet Authority, Sue Swenson, who talked about FirstNet ending Chapter One on a high note and starting Chapter Two. The second was TJ Kennedy, who announced formation of the Public Safety Technical Alliance (PSTA), a non-profit that has been formed to work with the public safety community, vendors, and others to ensure components for FirstNet (Built by AT&T) meet the open standard mandate put into place by FirstNet the Authority.

Sue talked about the first chapter for FirstNet being a long one for many of us, spanning more than ten years. However, it concluded with the network in place, all 56 states and territories opting in, a large number of public safety agencies joining FirstNet (Built by AT&T), more approved devices coming to market, and momentum that will carry us into Chapter Two. As promised, the network is nationwide, it provides end-to-end encryption, has its own core, and delivers full pre-emption for the first responder community. Chapter Two then will be about what runs on the network and how to maintain full interoperability. The rationale for FirstNet was to provide a coast-to-coast and border-to-border network where vehicles and people could move into other jurisdictions to assist in an incident and not only have a common network but to be assured that what rides on the network in terms of applications, data access, and voice are all fully interoperable.

To this end, TJ Kennedy and a host of others formed the PSTA to work with FirstNet, public safety, vendors, and others to make sure what flows over the network is “operable” for all. However, before we start on Chapter Two, we must first understand that like any broadband network, it will never be truly finished. It will continue to grow, new sites will be added as needed, and it will encompass 5G small cells, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other related purposes for the network. AT&T recently committed $2 billion to building out FirstNet in rural America, which will also enable rural businesses and citizens to gain access to broadband they have never had before. Even after the 25-year contract is over, the network will continue to grow and expand using whatever new technology replaces 4G and 5G.
> Read The Entire Post Here Continue reading →

Apple’s iOS 12 to Share Location Data with PSAPs

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Apple, Inc., announced today that users of iPhones with iOS 12 will automatically share the location information of the devices when users call 911 beginning later this year.

“Approximately 80 percent of 911 calls today come from mobile devices, but outdated, landline-era infrastructure often makes it difficult for 911 centers to quickly and accurately obtain a mobile caller’s location,” Apple noted in a news release. “To address this challenge, Apple launched HELO (Hybridized Emergency Location) in 2015, which estimates a mobile 911 caller’s location using cell towers and on-device data sources like GPS and WiFi Access Points. Apple today announced it will also use emergency technology company RapidSOS’s Internet Protocol-based data pipeline to quickly and securely share HELO location data with 911 centers, improving response time when lives and property are at risk. RapidSOS’s system will deliver the emergency location data of iOS users by integrating with many 911 centers’ existing software, which rely on industry-standard protocols.”

“Communities rely on 911 centers in an emergency, and we believe they should have the best available technology at their disposal,” said Apple Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook. “When every moment counts, these tools will help first responders reach our customers when they most need assistance.” Continue reading →

O’Rielly Presses Rhode Island to Stop 911 Fee Diversions

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FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly today renewed his call for Rhode Island to stop diverting 911 funds for other purposes. In a letter to Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo (D.) and House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello (D., 15th District), Mr. O’Rielly asked the officials to “restore the sanctity of 9-1-1 fees within the state.

“In April, I read comments by both of you, and received a personal commitment from Governor Raimondo indicating support for ending the state’s longstanding diversionary practice. I was heartened by this response, believing that with the support of both of you, as well as Republican State Representative Bob Lancia, there appeared to be a unique opportunity to explore the proper and necessary range of options to get this accomplished. Unfortunately, it seems my hope for a quick correction was misplaced,” Mr. O’Rielly said.

“Specifically, I have just reviewed the pertinent section of the latest version of the Rhode Island budget made available, and, it seems to vastly miss the mark,” Mr. O’Rielly complained. “Instead of ending the practice of 9-1-1 fee diversion, it appears that the state plans to paper over its practices by changing the name of the consumer E911 charge. While this may alleviate the deception imposed on your citizens, it does nothing to address the funding needs of you 9-1-1 call system. To put it bluntly, your state is diverting 60 percent of the funds intended and necessary for public safety purposes to your general fund, and no amount of relabeling will resolve this reality.” Continue reading →

FCC to Review Wireless Network Resiliency Framework

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The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau released a public notice today to launch a review of the adequacy of the voluntary Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework. The public notice also seeks comments for a study on providing the public access to 911 services via Wi-Fi and other technologies.

“The devastating 2017 hurricane season provided insight into how wireless providers react to varying levels of damage to their wireless networks and how they cooperate after disasters. The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (Bureau) is currently working with providers, public safety officials, and others to determine what lessons may be learned from the past season to better prepare for future emergencies. By this Public Notice, the Commission further complements its ongoing analysis of network resilience during and after the 2017 hurricanes and lays the groundwork for improved wireless network resiliency in the future,” the bureau said.

“We believe this is an opportune time to review the overall efficacy of the Wireless Network Resiliency Cooperative Framework (Framework). Since its initiation in 2016, the Framework has provided a systematic approach to enhancing coordination during disasters to protect the reliability of wireless networks. Our goal is to ensure that this voluntary industry commitment to promote resilient wireless communications and situational awareness during disasters is robust and effective. Therefore, the Bureau seeks public comment on potential methods of measuring the effectiveness of the Framework, determining the extent of the Framework’s use, and further promoting awareness of the Framework,” the public notice added. “We also seek comment on ways to further facilitate improvements to the Framework, including by soliciting voluntary commitments from backhaul providers to address processes and best practices for information sharing for network restoration and coordination during disasters.”

The public notice also said that “pursuant to Title III, Section 301 of RAY BAUM’S ACT, we seek comment on a future Commission study that will address the public safety benefits, technical feasibility, and cost of providing the public with access to 911 services during times of emergency via Wi-Fi access points and other technologies, when mobile service is unavailable.” Continue reading →

Bill Would Replace T-Band Auction with 4.9 GHz Band Sale

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A discussion draft circulated to members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee would authorize the FCC to hold an incentive auction of the 4.9 gigahertz band and rescind the requirement that the FCC auction T-band frequencies. The measure has been circulated by staffers for committee Chairman Greg Walden (R., Ore.).

Under the draft Freeing Incumbents to Reuse Spectrum and To Regain Essential Spectrum for Public-safety Operators Needed to Deploy Equipment Reliably Act of 2018, or the FIRST RESPONDER Act of 2018, the FCC would have to commence the reverse incentive auction by Sept. 30, 2023, and the agency would have to complete it by Sept. 30, 2026. The auction would be canceled if the forward auction proceeds are not enough to pay reverse auction bidders and cover the costs of holding the auction.

In March, Republican FCC Commissioners emphasized the potential benefit of repurposing the 4940-4990 megahertz band for commercial purposes, or at least opening it up to additional usage, citing the fact that the spectrum has not been heavily used since the Commission made it available for public safety agencies in 2002 (TR Daily, March 22).

Their comments came as Commissioners unanimously adopted a sixth further notice of proposed rulemaking in WP docket 07-100 seeking views on ways to promote more intensive use of the 4940-4990 MHz band.

In February, Rep. Elliot Engel (D., N.Y.) introduced legislation (HR 5085) that would repeal a provision included in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 that would require the T-band to be reauctioned by the FCC for commercial use (TR Daily, Feb. 27). The bill has 16 cosponsors. Advocates of the bill are looking for Senate sponsors of a companion bill.  Sen. Ed Markey (D., Mass.) may agree to be a Democratic sponsor.

Congress required the FCC to reallocate and auction public safety spectrum in the T-band by 2021 and relocate incumbents by 2023. Proceeds from the auction can be used to cover the relocation costs of public safety licensees. The T-band encompasses TV channels 14-20 (470-512 megahertz). Public safety agencies use the spectrum in 11 major markets.

A public safety official panned the discussion draft today, saying the measure “could solve one problem and create another problem for PS. Walden is saying that they cannot just repeal the T-Band as it has auction value but it was never scored by CBO as having value.” —Paul Kirby, paul.kirby@wolterskluwer.com

Courtesy TRDaily

O’Rielly Criticizes States on Net Neutrality Laws, 911 Fee Use

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In a speech today before the Philadelphia Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society, FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly once again took states to task on 911 fee diversion and efforts to enact net neutrality protection.

 The FCC’s restoring Internet freedom order (TR Daily, Dec. 14, 2017), which took effect yesterday (TR Daily, June 11) “acknowledged an extremely limited state role in enforcing traditional police powers, any requirements akin to common carrier regulation are barred. Moreover, states may not adopt their own transparency requirements, whether labeled as such or under the guise of ‘consumer protection.’ In short, because the FCC order restored a light-touch approach through deregulation, any action by states to increase regulatory burdens on broadband providers would run directly counter to our efforts,” Commissioner O’Rielly said in the text of his remarks.

“Nonetheless, some states have been pursuing a range of net neutrality laws. And, the manner in which they are choosing to address the issue varies greatly across borders. Some are attempting to embed net neutrality into procurement law, which might only impact certain companies, while others are pursuing laws applicable to all broadband providers operating in the state. Furthermore, the scope of these efforts differs substantially. Some focus on the old ‘bright line’ rules of no blocking, no throttling, and no paid prioritization. Others throw in the general conduct standard as a catch all for policing conduct that someone in the state might find objectionable. Another goes so far as to address the interconnection of broadband networks,” he continued.

The Commissioner criticized these efforts as violating “the Commerce Clause, the Communications Act, and clear FCC preemption” as well as creating different rules in different states and thus imposing “even greater compliance costs and liability risk for providers, which will be passed onto consumers in one form or another.” Continue reading →